In a move that speaks louder than words, the Cincinnati Reds have optioned Christian Encarnacion-Strand to Triple-A Louisville — a decision that could be seen as either a wake-up call or the quiet beginning of a farewell.
Once hailed as “The Power Project”, Encarnacion-Strand was supposed to anchor the heart of Cincinnati’s lineup — a young slugger with jaw-dropping raw strength and the swagger of a future star. But after months of underwhelming play on both sides of the ball, the Reds have made a statement: potential alone is no longer enough.
At 25, Encarnacion-Strand has struggled to find his rhythm at the major league level. This season, he’s hitting just .208/.234/.377 with a 60 wRC+, a steep drop-off from the promise he showed as a prospect in the Minnesota Twins system. Once penciled in as a cornerstone piece, he now finds himself fighting to stay relevant in an increasingly crowded Reds infield.
Defensively, his play has raised just as many concerns. With -2 Defensive Runs Saved and -2 Outs Above Average, Encarnacion-Strand has become a liability at both third and first base. The Reds have since handed primary first base duties to Spencer Steer, while third base remains a rotating door the organization may soon fill with emerging talents like Cam Collier or Sal Stewart — two highly-touted prospects progressing fast in the minors.
The demotion comes as the Reds activate Jake Fraley from the injured list, but this wasn’t just about roster space. This was a message. A reset. Maybe even a soft exit.
While Cincinnati hasn’t publicly signaled that Encarnacion-Strand is on the trade block, league insiders expect his name to surface as the July 31st trade deadline approaches. With remaining minor league options and pre-arbitration status, he could be an intriguing buy-low candidate for teams like the Seattle Mariners or Boston Red Sox, both of whom are in need of first base help.
Make no mistake — this isn’t just a demotion. It’s a crossroad.
For Encarnacion-Strand, it’s now about grit, growth, and finding that swing again. For the Reds, it’s about accountability, vision, and making the tough calls that could shape the future of the franchise.
Because when a team dares to rise, something has to give.
